The Newton Eco-Team Project The Challenge The Project The Benefits The Future Why Are We Here?...

The Newton Eco-TeamProject

• The Challenge• The Project• The Benefits• The Future

Why Are We Here?

Partnering EventSeptember 16, 2009


The primary cause of global warming is green house gases, especially carbon dioxide which is emitted into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, gasoline, coal, oil and natural gas, which we use to power our cars and homes and to produce the produce the goods we consume.

TheChallenge

Global Warming

U.S. households produce far more CO2 than households in any other nation.


TheChallenge

Why focus on CO2?

U.S. Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas, 2001 (Million

Metric Tons of Carbon Equivalent) http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/brochure/greenhouse/Chapter1.htm

CO2 emissions are the one source homeowners can most affect.


TheChallenge

Our part US households directly produce about

8% of the planet’s carbon dioxide emissions, and through our purchases we are indirectly responsible for another 17%.

If the bad news is that individual Americans are a major part of the problem, the good news is that we can be a major part of the solution.

We can have a major impact on reducing carbon emissions


TheChallenge

Current CO2 Status

• 350 ppm of CO2 is what most scientists consider the threshold beyond which the dangers of global warming increase.

• We are now at 383 ppm and are expected to pass 400 ppm within a few more years.

http://worldforum.org/forum.htm

We are now at a critical junction


Dr. Rajendra Pachauri who accepted the Nobel Prize on behalf of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change:

"If there's no action before 2012, that's too late. What we do in the next two to three years will determine our future. This is the defining moment."

The Challenge

The time has come for action, we can no longer wait for others to act.


The Challenge

To really reduce Newton’s emissions we must address the residential sector.


•The Newton Energy Action Plan Addresses efficiency of energy use in buildings

and in infrastructure.

Addresses renewable energy and distribution.

Addresses Transportation.

Addresses Solid Waste.

TheChallenge

The Action Plan only indirectly addresses the residential sector


The Commonwealth:The Green Communities Act 2008

The Global Warming Solutions Act 2008

The Massachusetts Stretch Code

The federal government:Energystar program

LEED building certification program

Utility rebates & tax incentive programs

TheChallenge

These strategies do not motivate behavioral change in the residential sector


TheChallenge

Inaction is no longer a viable alternative.

What should we do?

• Wait for technology to become more efficient and affordable ?

• Wait for government to achieve its goals in 2020 or 2050?

• Blame it on China and India?


Cool Mass A grassroots conservation strategy for rapid, broad action to address global warming:

MCAN- Mass Climate Action Network & Green Decade

Eleven Cool Mass Communities:Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Cohasset, Dedham, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Newton, Plymouth, and Winchester

TheProject

Newton is leading the way toward implementing this strategy


The structure: Eco-Teams Form Eco-Teams of 6 to 8 households.

The team meets 4 times following a workbook.

Make simple home improvements & lifestyle changes to reduce carbon footprint while saving money.

TheProject

Encourages a strategy of conservation as a lifestyle.


The Project

Sample Changes:Lifestyle

Practices: • Trash• Hot Water usage• Thermostat setting• Electricity usage• Auto & Air travel• Diet choicesHousehold

Systems:• Water heater• Lighting• Air leaks• HVAC• Auto

Changes that will reduce our carbon footprint


The Project

The Benefits:• Produce immediate results without large expenditures.

•Households save money on an ongoing basis.

•Move the political establishment to action.

•Takes Newton to the forefront of this conservation movement across the nation.

•Build community by bringing neighbors together into Eco-Team.

Saves money, protects the planet and brings people together.


The Future

• Enroll 25% of Newton’s households in Eco-Teams:

Approximately 32,000 households in Newton =

8,000 Eco-Team members

8 members/ Eco-Team = 1,000 teams.

3 year program = Create 334 teams per year or:

1st Year: 20% of total = 200 Eco-Teams

2nd Year: 35% of total = 350 Eco-Teams

3rd Year: 45% of total = 450 Eco-Teams

The Goals:

Attainable goals working with partner organizations


The Future

Generating Eco-Teams

3 month

Team cycle

3 monthEco-Team cycle

3 monthEco-Team cycle


The Future

Benefits of PartneringBring new members into your organization.Engage existing members in a new program.Engage a different demographic within your membership.Raise your profile in the community.Build relationships with other partner organizations.

Plan a strategy to create Eco-Teams within your organization.


The Future

Supporting Our PartnersEco-Team Project Introductory presentations: To describe the project goals and strategy.Eco-Team training: To help potential members start their teamWeb Site: To calculate your initial carbon footprint To record Eco-Team data and progress To provide an ongoing resource. To provide a link to other green organizations

and eventsPromote our Partner Organizations:

In our literature, at our events & on our web site.

Supporting the Eco-Team Project strengthens your organization.


The Future

Become an Active Partner

Rotary Club Energy Slam ProgramGreen Decade Temple Beth AvodahLeague of Woman Voters First Unitarian Society NewtonNewton Conservators Temple Emanuel Mayor David Cohen Newton Corner Neighborhood Assoc. Alderman Steven Linsky Bike NewtonAlderman Ken Parker Mayor’s Advisory Comm. on Sustainability State Rep. Ruth Balser Clafin Hill Neighborhood AssociationMayor Candidate Setti Warren Congregation Mishkan T’filahHyde Community Center Newton Jewish Community CenterWest Suburban YMCA NewArt Center

Plan a strategy to create Eco-Teams within your organization.


The Project Team

Jay Walter & Bonnie Glickman Co-ChairsMarcia Cooper President- Green DecadeSam Frank Nonprofit strategistSteve Linsky AldermanPeter Smith A founder of Green Decade

Marcel Meth web designer Kate Storm tonight’s event coordinator Kate Balducci business coordinatorRachel White training program dev. Kate O’Gara partner coordinator Geneva Boyer student coordinator


“We sometimes emphasize the danger in a crisis without focusing on the opportunities that are there. We should feel a great sense of urgency because it is the most dangerous crisis we have ever faced, by far. But it also provides us with opportunities to do a lot of things we ought to be doing for other reasons anyway. And to solve this crisis we can develop a shared sense of moral purpose.”

Al Gore


“All of us can do something to make the world better and each of us should try.”

Ted Kennedy

The Newton Eco-Team Project The Challenge The Project The Benefits The Future Why Are We Here?...

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